Wayne Coyne, teh enigmatic frontman of The Flaming Lips, vividly recalls his first encounter with the legendary sir Paul McCartney. During their chance meeting at a music festival circa 1993, Coyne found himself mesmerized not just by McCartney’s musical prowess, but by a rather unexpected detail: the Beatle icon’s noticeably “crusty” ear.
The chance meeting occurred backstage at a festival where both Coyne and McCartney were captivated by a Neil Young performance. Unbeknownst to the attendees, McCartney, accompanied by his wife Linda, slipped unnoticed into the backstage area.
Coyne, unable to resist the allure of witnessing a musical legend up close, trailed McCartney, who mistakenly assumed Coyne was part of his entourage.
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with mccartney, Coyne’s attention drifted from the stage to the more intimate detail of McCartney’s ear, which, he remembers, was “pretty crusty.”
He explains: “It was just one of those moments, you know? You don’t get to see Paul McCartney as a regular person vrey often, and there I was checking out his ear. It happens, especially when you’re constantly on the road.”
Adding to the surreal experience,McCartney,the ever-charming Beatle,offered Coyne a hefty joint,treating him as part of his inner circle.
Coyne, despite not being a cannabis aficionado, couldn’t resist partaking in this onc-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Flaming Lips, known for their groundbreaking, immersive stage shows, haven’t shied away from experimentation, sometimes pushing the boundaries a bit too far.
Coyne fondly recalls a time when their experimentation dangerously veered into the realm of pyrotechnics. Hoping to amp up the visual spectacle during a Texas tour, the band decided to introduce fireworks into their performance. Picture this: fireworks exploding mid-song, showering the stage, the band members and the enthralled audience with fiery bursts of light.
It was, in Coxne’s words, “fucking insane,” a high-risk spectacle that could have easily resulted in injury or even disaster.
Fortunately, everyone escaped unscathed, but the experience served as a stark reminder of the fine line between artistic expression and reckless endangerment. It’s an escapade the band has vowed never to repeat.
Now, The Flaming Lips are embarking on a new tour, delighting fans worldwide with their musical prowess.They’ll be playing their acclaimed 2002 album, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” in its entirety, bringing a beloved sonic masterpiece back to life on stage.
What memorable moments did Wayne Coyne share about his encounter with Paul McCartney at a music festival?
Time.news Interview: wayne Coyne on paul McCartney, Pyrotechnics, and The Flaming Lips’ Upcoming Tour
Editor: Welcome, Wayne! It’s great to have you here. Your encounter with Paul McCartney at the music festival in 1993 sounds surreal. Can you share a bit about that memorable moment?
Wayne Coyne: Thank you for having me! It was indeed a surreal experience.I remember being backstage,totally captivated by Neil Young’s performance. Meeting Paul McCartney was a fantasy come to life, yet what struck me was something fully unexpected—his ”crusty” ear. It was one of those rare moments where you see a legend in a more human light. You just don’t get to see Paul McCartney like that frequently enough!
Editor: That’s unbelievable.It’s engaging how intimate moments can sometimes overshadow the glitz. You mentioned that McCartney mistook you for one of his entourage. How did that play out?
Wayne coyne: (laughs) Yeah,I decided to follow him as the allure of being close to a Beatle was too strong to resist. He offered me a joint, treating me like I was part of his inner circle. I’m not really into cannabis, but how could I say no? It was a onc-in-a-lifetime possibility!
Editor: Speaking of high-stakes opportunities, you have a reputation for pushing boundaries in your performances. Can you tell us about the time The Flaming lips experimented with pyrotechnics during your Texas tour?
Wayne Coyne: Oh boy, that was an insane moment! We thought, “Why not kick it up a notch with fireworks?” Imagine the burst of light during a song— it was visually stunning, but the risk was enormous. Thankfully, we all made it out safely, but it taught us a valuable lesson on the thin line between artistic creativity and safety.
Editor: Safety is indeed crucial. As an artist known for your groundbreaking stage shows,how do you balance creativity with caution in your performances?
Wayne Coyne: it comes down to clever planning and a willingness to adapt. We love trying new things, but now we approach it with a greater obligation. It’s essential to give fans a memorable experience without jeopardizing anyone’s safety. We keep the creativity flowing while being mindful of the potential risks.
Editor: That’s an crucial perspective. Now, The Flaming Lips are embarking on a new tour playing “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” in it’s entirety. What can fans expect from this tour?
Wayne Coyne: fans can expect a deep dive into a beloved sonic masterpiece. We’re excited to breathe new life into those songs on stage. Each performance is an immersive experience, and we’re focused on connecting with the audience in a meaningful way.Expect vibrant visuals, unique surprises, and the same heartfelt energy that we’ve always brought.
Editor: It sounds like an unforgettable experience in the making! What advice would you give to emerging artists venturing into the music industry, especially regarding stage performances?
wayne Coyne: Be authentic! Stay true to your vision and don’t be afraid to experiment—just remember to prioritize safety. do your homework about what you want to deliver to an audience, and don’t shy away from taking calculated risks. The best moments often come from stepping outside your comfort zone, but do it with care, and you’ll create something remarkable.
Editor: Wise words, Wayne. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us. We’ll be looking out for you and The Flaming Lips on tour!
Wayne Coyne: Thank you! We can’t wait to connect with all our fans. See you on the road!